Masonry and Health From the New Age, December 1952 * V. M. Burrows, KCCH Introduction by Ill. Robert G. Watkins, Jr., 33

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1 March April 2015 Masonry and Health From the New Age, December 1952 * V. M. Burrows, KCCH Introduction by Ill. Robert G. Watkins, Jr., 33 From time to time we will bring you articles that you may not have seen or may not remember which are of interest and relevant today. In 2013, a group of artistically inclined Brethren from our Valley wrote and produced a short video on the life and Masonic activities of Ill. Robert South Barrett, who at his death was S.G.I.G. in the Orient of Virginia. He lived and was active in Masonry roughly during the mid 20 th century, which was a time of peak growth and activity of the fraternity. His business and Masonic accomplishments were most impressive, but perhaps even more impressive were the philanthropic activities through which he exemplified our Masonic principles and Masonic obligations. We featured this distinguished Mason in our October November 2013 Bulletin. Thinking about the life of Ill. Brother Barrett, I would assert that an adherence to the philosophy of Freemasonry and a careful study of the lessons in its ritual have a positive psychological effect on the Mason himself and on those around him, and leads to an improvement in the larger society in which he lives. I would note, for example, the Charge given the Chaplain at Installation: The principles and precepts of Freemasonry are in strict accordance with the teachings of the Great Light in Masonry. These enlighten life and illumine love, and though Masonry is not a religion, it is essentially religious. In all her laws and teachings she stands for whatever is good - a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night pointing the way to a glorious immortality. In your hands may the badge of your sacred office prove a gospel of love, leading men to light and life everlasting by drawing them closer to the Great Architect of the Universe. I think these words make clear that the ideas and objectives of Masonic teaching are directed toward acting on the mind and intellect, thus affecting the man himself. The proposition that regular encounters with Masonic ritual in Lodge ceremonies will help us become better and more moral was an idea that was prominent years ago when Ill. Barrett made his contributions to the Crafts and almost certainly were guide posts to his actions at that time. (Continued on Page 2.) SPECIAL EVENTS March 1, :30 PM till Friends and Family Dinner and Auction Fairview Park Marriott Special Event COHORT Reunion April 18 and 25, 2015 Don t forget to RSVP and include an anecdote. Celebrating the Craft May 16, 2015 (See article on page 11.)

2 Masonry and Health (Continued from Page 1.) These views were clearly reflected in the short article reproduced below, entitled Masonry and Health, which appeared in December 1952 in The New Age Magazine, a predecessor to the current Scottish Rite Journal. The method of operation of the mind has great influence on the physical heath of the individual. A study of the ritual will bring out the fact that Masonry abounds with advice as to how the mind may be directed into proper channels of thought. These are conducive to the improvement of health, especially to the middle-aged man. Modern science has demonstrated that all thoughts and emotions which do not build, which are not constructive, generate poison in the system by chemical change. It has been shown that multitudes of people suffer most of their lives from the auto-poisoning of their thoughts and emotions, their jealousies, envies, hatreds, and their unkind and uncharitable thoughts. Nowhere in our rituals do we advocate fear, or the teaching of men by compulsion. We seek to eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism by developing brotherly love and, consequently, the love of all humanity. We teach that the greatest victory is the mental victory which is achieved over a man s natural inclinations. We teach that character can be developed only by mental and emotional discipline in the control of the thoughts, in the continual substitution of higher thoughts for those of a lower nature, and in constant attention to personal, religious instruction. We recognize the fact that the mind does not unfold, the creative faculty does not mature, and that the spirit does not expand, save under the influence of reverence. If, by self-analysis, we can discover and discard those traits which seem to lead us in the wrong direction, and at the same time cultivate those natural tendencies which point the way to higher achievement, then we have carried into effect one of the greatest principles of Freemasonry. There is a beautiful personality lying latent within the animal life of every man. Masonry strives to aid in the unfoldment of that personality. We should look for the good in Masonry. We should look for the basic psychological principles which are inculcated in the rituals. They have come down to us from the ages by the medium of Masonry, not only for the inspiration of the soul, but also for the continuation of physical health within the body. No man can have a pure, clean character who does not habitually have pure, clean thoughts. Character is built of the thoughts which we allow to grow and multiply within our minds. There is a small holy-of-holies within everyone s soul. In it is the shrine of individuality. It is the direct result of the feeling that some precious consciousness dwells within. A good reason for conscience and storing the mind with good thoughts is so a man may be good company for himself. Good thoughts, deeply felt, will bring health, harmony, peace, power, ability and character. Wrong thoughts, deeply felt, will bring sickness, depression, discord, fear, weakness and failure. Purposely rejecting one thought and allowing another to occupy the mind may be called the method of substitution. Exclusion of discordant thoughts will furnish opportunity for harmonious ones to take their places. We may not be able to create thought but we have the power to accept the good and reject the evil. That which we invite enters into our minds. By our choice of thoughts we summon the good or evil that comes and dwells within us. (Continued on Page 4.) Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 2

3 Personal Representative s Message Edmund Cohen, 33 Personal Representative of the SGIG in Alexandria Brother Ralph Smith, 33⁰, a stalwart of Henry Lodge No. 57, who had been its Worshipful Master, and its Secretary for a number of years until his untimely death in 2013, would on occasion and especially during his year as District Deputy Grand Master give one of the Brethren a round wooden coin, about the size of a half dollar. On one side was engraved a square and compasses and on the back was engraved the letters T U I T. Around the top of the coin in smaller letters it said Attend Lodge, and around the bottom it said Rediscover Masonry. Invariably he would be asked what s this and he d answer it s a round TUIT. Of course, they would then ask what s a TUIT? And he would answer, well it is to remind you of all the times when you were asked to do something or to help out, and you said you d get around to it, so here is a round TUIT. Most of us, unfortunately are in that boat. We spend a lot more time planning to do something, than actually doing it. We think about doing something; we may even put it on our to do list. We have good intentions, but we procrastinate, and generally something else tends to get in the way. How many of you know friends and family who made New Year s Resolutions? Well, it s March, and how many of those resolutions are still in play? Not too many, I suspect. And then there is a companion phrase to I ll get around to it which is not my job, man. There are those who are very serious about keeping in their lane. It is black and white. It s either in their job description or it s not, and there is certainly no sense in defining a job any larger than necessary. Why do extra work anyway? For these folk, it is not about getting something accomplished or solving a problem, it s about getting the task off their desk so it s someone else s responsibility. But neither an I ll get around to it attitude nor an it s not my job approach is the Masonic way. As C. S. Lewis, the British novelist and poet, once said: it may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird; but it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad. What this says to me is that life is about choices and time is fleeting, so we should seek to be all that we can be. In this regard, Masons are both idealistic and practical, they, as Theodore Roosevelt advised, keep their eyes on the stars and their feet on the ground. Masons are builders and doers. We try to find out where we can be of help, we try to solve problems, and we take responsibility. Ill. Ralph Smith was certainly this way. And it is in this context that I ask you to help our 2015 Alexandria Scottish Rite officers to make this year one of our best yet. Interest one of your friends or relatives in Freemasonry, ask one of your Lodge Brethren to become part of our Spring or Fall Reunion Class, get involved in our building renovation efforts, publicize our expanded scholarship program, give us feedback on our 2015 Friends and Family charity event, and tell us how to make it better next year. And, oh, our Valley is hosting the Scottish Rite Conference of Virginia, so attend the Spring Workshop in Richmond on Saturday, 21 March, and call Ill. Larry Alexander to volunteer your help so our Conference in September, in Alexandria, is the best in memory. Of course, the point is that we could use your help, and we need your ideas, and your involvement and participation. I think you will be amply rewarded with the fellowship and camaraderie you will experience, the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction you will achieve, and the friendships you will make. Fraternally Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 3

4 Masonry and Health (Continued from Page 2.) All true success is worth all that it costs, no matter what the cost may be. The satisfaction that comes from a rotten life is not worth the candle. Wrong is whatever hurts human life or destroys human happiness. Right is whatever helps human life and tends to sustain or increase human happiness. The satisfaction of right living and right thinking is valuable to the individual, for there is no finer sensation than that which comes with victory over oneself. No one has ever done a great thing while his mind is centered upon himself. This is the psychological basis for our instructions in relation to the Five Points of Fellowship. We should think every day how we can help someone. For that is the psychological basis of Masonic Brotherhood and thereby a road for improvement of mental health. * Reprinted with permission of the Supreme Council, 33, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA. What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. Albert Pike. When money doesn t really belong to you, you should try to do the most good possible with it. Robert South Barrett Wise Master s Message How Do You Want to Be Remembered? Robert B. Williams, KCCH, Wise Master, Chapter Rose Croix As you look through this issue of the Bulletin and consult the calendar on the back page, you will note a number of important Valley events. In addition to the fellowship with your Scottish Rite Brethren, you will have the opportunity to be of service at our Friends and Family Dinner and Charity Auction on Sunday, March 1. You can be part of our effort to honor our fallen Brethren at the Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal at our March 13 Valley meeting. You can add to your knowledge of the Rite at the Scottish Rite Workshop in Richmond on March 28, and you will help the Valley grow by getting candidates for our Spring Reunion on April 18 and 25. I hope you will choose to play an active part in all these activities because they are an essential part of your membership in our Scottish Rite family, and this ties in with the title of my message. We all realize that death is a natural part of life, but as long as people remember you, you are never truly gone. The question is: How do YOU want to be remembered? Do you want to be remembered as a loving caring parent, a good man, a valued colleague, or will you be remembered as uncaring and grumpy, or worse yet, a scoundrel or a tyrant? Living by the tenants of Freemasonry is a good start on our benevolent remembrance. My older brother is a very wise man who taught me a great deal of backwoods wisdom. One of his maxims was to Always leave the woodpile a little higher than when you found it. Applied to our present circumstances, if we do even one thing for the betterment of our community, we will have left the woodpile a little higher. It is often the little things that count. It could be a phone call to a sick friend or a widow, it could be picking up some litterbug s trash. It could be taking a non-speaking part in a degree, or reading a charge at a degree with the enthusiasm that the candidate and the whole room can feel. Imagine what our world would be if everyone did one little thing. My brother also told me that He never met a man who learned anything by talking. This is good advice, and I suggest that we need to learn to listen better and more carefully. Have you ever tuned out someone who was talking to you? (Continued on Page 5.) Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 4

5 Wise Master s Message How Do You Want to Be Remembered? (Continued from Page 4.) Next time that happens, listen carefully; there may be an important message that the person is trying to communicate if we only would listen. And sometimes when someone appears to be kidding around, there may be a more serious message hidden in the levity indeed, as both Shakespeare and Chaucer have written many a truth is said in jest. While we should listen more than we talk, when we do talk, we should try to say something of importance that will be worth remembering. And keep in mind, the best way to learn is to teach. All of this applies to being a Mason. We need to try to do something worthwhile for our Brethren and the Scottish Rite. We need to avoid the role of curmudgeon sitting on the sidelines and offering nothing but criticism. We need to be a sympathetic and courteous listener with respect to our Brethren, and we need to be a doer! So I return to the question: How will we be remembered? If we live up to our Masonic obligations, we will build up a store of satisfaction and fulfilment. We will feel good and that is reward enough. But I suspect that our actions here on earth may be the basis for a more lasting reward our good remembrance and evidence of a good life at the final bar of justice. Fraternally, Biography of Robert B. Williams, KCCH Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Brother Williams served 30 years in the United States Marine Corp, 11 years in the enlisted ranks and 19 years as a commissioned officer, retiring in 1981 having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has a Bachelor s Degree in Physics from the University of California-Berkley where he majored in Nuclear Physics & minored in Optics & Math. After retiring from the Marines, he worked for a number of years for a defense contractor. In 1978, while serving in Japan he became a Master Mason in Okinawa Lodge #118. He is an honorary member of Henry Lodge #57 where he was Worshipful Master in RW Williams has served as the Lodge Instructor of Work since 2006, and served as District Instructor of Work in He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Fourth Masonic District of Virginia in He is an honorary member of the Patriot Lodge #1957, and is serving as Junior Warden in the Civil War Lodge of Research #1865. He was the Worthy Patron of the Hope Chapter of The Order of The Eastern Star in 2003, Director of The Hillbilly Unit of Kena Shrine , and High Priest of Fauquier Royal Arch Chapter in Fairfax, Virginia in He also is a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Masons, York Rite Sovereign College, National Sojourners, and Heroes of 76. He was awarded the Master Grand Cross of Color, International Order of Rainbow Girls in 2005 and invested with the Knight Commander Court of Honour in Brother Williams is married to his wife Anna for 48 years and they have six children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 5

6 Moe Lawrence Aitel Carsie Alexander Bozeman Jr Randall Kay Cambron Kermit Jerome Clawson John Grier Crawford Jr Norman David Diamond Bartholomew James Enright Lawrence Warner Finisecy George Daniel Gilbreath Joseph Arthur Graves Jr E. Phillips Grier Sr Eugene Hammonds William David Harner Paul Edward Hendrickson Maynard E. Hildebrandt William Melvin Howard Robert Erwin Huneycutt, Jr. Davis R. Ledford, Jr. Hiram Welford Lyon, Jr. Charles Edward Mc Noldy Ronald Eugene Moore C. L. Morrison, Jr. Sevino Joseph Mozzochi Howard Eugene Pirkey Richard Thomas Pro The Four Heads of Bodies (left to right): John T. Tillery, KCCH Master of Kadosh, Alexandria Consistory Thomas G. Little, KCCH, Commander Alexandria Council of Kadosh Ill. Earl R. Jones, 33, Venerable Master, Alexandria Lodge of Perfection Robert B. Williams, KCCH, Wise Master, Alexandria Chapter Rose Croix A Celebration of Remembrance to those who passed to the Celestial Lodge Deaths for 2014 EIGHTEENTH DEGREE OF FREEMASONRY KNIGHT ROSE CROIX Installation of Officers for 2015 Photographs by Ill. Michael R. Aulicino, 33 Floren Lamont Quick James Gordon Renfro Walter Ewing Reynolds, Jr. Carl Jefferson Rinker, Jr. Morgan David Roderick John Anthony Ross Michael Dudley Rutledge Charles Kiefer Sanders Justice Harvey Scott Ernest Alfred Snyder Pierre Leon Sosnitsky Robert Alex Sublett Edwin Rolf Swick, Jr. Herbert Hoover Toney Swanson Edward Tudor, Jr. Norman Charles Venzke Ennis Arnold Viereck, Jr. Richard Lee Wakeman James Bearcroft Ward Russell John Werle Donald Ray Williams Daniel Michael Wuchenich Harold Yaskovich Some of the other 42 Officers who were installed on January 9, (See additional pictures of installation and awards ceremony on pages 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d.) Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 6

7 Annual Awards Dinner the rest of the story In addition to Certificates of Merit and Appreciation which we announced in our last Bulletin, and which were awarded at our January 9, 2015, dinner, we also recognized our 2014 heads of bodies, and presented three Community Service Certificates and $500 donations to three deserving groups. The first was given to Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically (ALIVE!) for serving thousands of Alexandria residents annually with emergency food, shelter; low-cost early childhood education and childcare; financial help for rent, utilities, medical care and other critical needs. The second to The Arlington Food Assistance Center for its exemplary work in providing supplemental groceries to Arlington residents who are in need. The third was to The Capitol Area Community Food Bank - Lorton for feeding those who suffer from hunger by Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically acquiring food and distributing it through its network of partner agencies. Officials from these organizations gave very moving messages about their work. Arlington Food Assistance Center Capitol Area Community Food Bank We also had the honor to recognize Brother Garnet Bailey, our newest 50-year member. Brother Bailey has made many contributions to Freemasonry, particularly at the Grand Lodge level. Our 2014 Fifty Year Members Dwight B. Alley, 32 Garnett R. Bailey, 32 John G. Crawford, Jr., KCCH Charles D. Curtis, Sr., 32 William L. Golden, 32 George W. Govan, 32 Raymond V. Hemnes, 32 Paul J. Hesketh, 32 Brother Garnet Bailey and Mrs. Rita Bailey Clarence E. Hill, Jr., 32 Edwin L. Luck, 32 John C. Mayers, 32 Jason W. Snyder, 33, IGH Ray Thorkildsen, 32 Donald L. Uffinger, 32 Edwin W. Wade, 32 Stanley E. Zombro, 32 Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 7

8 Annual Awards Dinner the rest of the story And it was with great appreciation that the Valley presented a Benefactor Certificate to Brother William A. Simms and his wife Patricia for a very generous gift to our building fund which they made on behalf of three deceased relatives: Harvey Lee Bell, who was a member of Spurmont Lodge No. 98, in Strasburg; Leslie Lyle Ryan, who was a member of Henry Knox Field Lodge No. 349, in Alexandria; and Fred O. Johnson, who was a member of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120, Alexandria. Their gift to our building fund was made in honor of Ill. Walter Scott Downs, 33⁰ Grand Cross. Brother William A. Simms and Mrs. Patricia R. Simms Thank you for your most generous gift. As you read in the November December Bulletin, we are in the midst of major renovations to our building, and this gift could not have come at a better time as we improve and upgrade our building infrastructure. We will, at a future date, be further honoring their support to our Valley by naming a part of our building in their honor. It is suggested that others might follow in their footsteps to support our Valley. Officers of 2014 Receiving their Certificate of Recognition for their Honorable and Distinguished Service in Kent S. Webber, KCCH, Venerable Master William A. Shortt, KCCH, Wise Master Peter E. Terrill, Master of Kadosh Keith R. Butler, KCCH, Commander, was unable to attend. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar Apr 2015 Page 8

9 Membership Matters thoughts about our Spring Reunion, Saturday 18 and 25 April Paul R. Evancoe, KCCH, Chair Member Outreach Committee Two important events in the life of the Alexandria Valley are the Spring Reunion on April 18 and 25, and the Fall Reunion on October 17 and 24. The Reunions give us an opportunity to re-experience the degrees and learn more about our Masonic philosophy. We come away with a greater understanding of our Masonic heritage each time we attend. The Reunions also give us an opportunity for fellowship. The degree casts, the degree communication and prompting teams, the stage crew, and other Reunion support groups all work together for a common Scottish Rite purpose, and there is additional great fellowship at lunch and during the breaks between degrees. This year, we are specially inviting the five-year cohort Reunion classes those who received their degrees in 2010, 2005, 2000, etc., to attend the 2015 Reunion and make a special connection with the current class and these various Reunion classes. To mark the occasion, a special pin has been created which will be presented to each member of the cohort class in attendance at either the Spring or Fall 2015 Reunion. But, perhaps, the greatest importance of our Reunions is to initiate new 32nd degree Alexandria Scottish Rite Masons! This is serious business because, as a result of our age profile, many of our members, Brethren who have sustained our Valley for so long, are transferring their membership to the Celestial Lodge. We greatly miss them, and we need to keep their legacy alive. We do have a system of Blue Lodge Ambassadors who keep the Brethren of their Lodges apprised of the events in our Valley and who explain to their Lodge Brethren, who are not members of the Rite, the advantages of membership. And each of us is, in a very real sense, a Lodge Ambassador, with the responsibility to interest our Brethren in Scottish Rite and help them become a member of the Reunion Class. But, even so, we are not doing as good a job as we should in getting the number of candidates we need to replace our membership loses. Given all of the work that goes into the Reunion, and keeping in mind what an outstanding production it is, it is a shame that our Reunion classes have been smaller than we would like and need to grow our Valley. So, I would make a special appeal to each of you to focus on this part of your Scottish Rite responsibilities and make a serious effort to get one or more candidates for our Spring Reunion. I titled this article, Membership Matters, because each of you is so important to the success of our Valley. You might think that your attendance at our meetings and at the Reunion has little significance in the larger scheme of Lodge activity, but the fact is that your attendance means more to your Brothers than you realize. You are noticed and valued. So my whole message is to ask that in 2015 you take the time to accomplish two important things necessary to sustain the Scottish Rite Valley of Alexandria. Participate in Valley meetings and other Valley activities, especially our Reunions; and, Bring us a signed petition for membership. Neither of these requests requires any great commitment of time or effort. If you attend even one meeting and bring in one petition, our ranks would noticeably swell. Lastly, and this does require your commitment, we ask that you get involved; attend Valley meetings and events, and become a part of one or more of our committees, casts, stage crew, etc. Get involved to the depth your Cable Tow will allow your presence will be most welcomed and very much appreciated. You can make a difference; we want you as an active member of our team. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar Apr 2015 Page 9

10 The 2015 Virginia Scottish Rite Conference Spring Workshop Ill. William Larry Alexander, 33, Conference President I m sure by now you know that our Valley is hosting the Scottish Rite Spring Workshop on March 21 in Richmond, and the Scottish Rite Conference on September in Alexandria. We have an opportunity to put our best foot forward, and it would be terrific if we could have an especially large Alexandria Valley contingent in Richmond on Saturday, 21 March, dressed in our navy blazers, gray slacks, blue button down shirts, and our Alexandria Valley tie. Attendance at the Workshop is always an enjoyable opportunity to meet with our Scottish Rite friends from across Virginia and make new friends from across the Orient. But we also have an interesting program planned for you. In addition to talks by Grand Master Reese Carroll, and MW Jim Cole, the Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Virginia, Brother Ned Mamula will speak on the Pillars of Freemasonry, and Brother Philip Bernard will speak on early Virginia Masonry, and focus on the historic Mason s Hall. Coffee and pastries are available at 8:30 a.m., while we socialize. The conference begins at 9:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. We will take a headcount at the March Stated Meeting for those planning to attend so the Richmond Valley can plan for breakfast and lunch. If you will not be at the March meeting, please contact the Valley Secretary (secretary@alexandriascottishrite.org) with your plans. It is always more fun to travel with your Brethren, so now is the time to start arranging carpools to travel to the Richmond Scottish Rite Temple (4204 Hermitage Road). Remember, lots of ritual has been learned in a car travelling up and down I-95. Fraternally, From the Secretary s Desk Ill. David C. Morris, 33º General Secretary of all Four Bodies Dues Cards: There has been some confusion about the new dues card procedure. When you pay your dues, you receive a plastic card, which you need to keep. If you are a life member, that card, as is, is all you need. If you are not a life member, then each year when you pay your dues you will receive a current year sticker. It is important not to destroy your plastic dues card because the Supreme Council charges a $5.00 replacement fee for each card. Because of the new system, it is important to check that you have a current card either a life member card or one with the 2015 sticker. If you are unsure whether you are up to date with respect to your dues, please contact me at (703) , or send me an at secretary@alexandriascottishrite.org You can pay your dues by sending me a check payable to Alexandria Scottish Rite, and addressed to P.O. Box 175, Alexandria, VA You also can pay by credit card by going on line to the Supreme Council website (my.scottishrite.org). If you are behind in your dues, please attend to this as soon as possible. If you have a problem, please call me. When you pay your dues, if you are able, you also can make a contribution to the Alexandria Valley Building Fund, the Alexandria Valley Almoners Fund, the Alexandria Valley Scholarship Fund, as well as to the Childhood Language Disorder Fund and the House of the Temple Restoration Fund. Any help you are able to provide to any of these funds will be most appreciated. Caps, Rings & Patents: For the Fall 2014 class and others from earlier classes who have been out of town, the caps, rings, and patents are available for you to pick up. Come to a meeting or call me to make special arrangements to get these items. Do You Know A Brother Who Has Been Suspended? Contact him and let him know we have a special program from January through June, to help him to return to Good Standing. Alarm System: We are installing a new security system with a target date of March 1, If you now have a key to the building, that key will no longer work, so please see me to get a replacement. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 10

11 Celebrate the Craft Ill. Robert G. Watkins, Jr., 33 The Supreme Council and the House of the Temple Foundation sponsor an annual national Internet-based webinar, entitled Celebrate the Craft. This year the 4th-annual CTC will be held on Saturday, May 16, to raise money for the Rebuilding the Temple Campaign and Orient charities. From 6 p.m. to midnight, there will be music, comedy, celebrities, and Masonic education. There also will be never-before-seen video content about the House of the Temple, including explanation of artifacts and items from the extensive library and museum. This program, developed by Brother Matt Szramoski, 33, a member of our Valley and the Development Director for the Supreme Council, returns a portion of the money collected from each Orient back to that Orient for its charities. Our Alexandria Valley has supported the Celebrate the Craft program over the past two years by creating short video clips centered on the theme of Masonic Heroes. The first two videos focused on the personalities and activities of Ill. Robert South Barrett, 33 and Ill. David Kruger, 33, both past SGIGs in Virginia. We plan to continue that theme in 2015 with a third video clip describing the Masonic work and accomplishments of Ill. Walter Scott Downs, 33, Grand Cross. As in past years, Alexandria Valley has organized a viewing party in the dining hall of our Temple, and we expect to be briefly featured live on the Internet. Then we organize a bus trip to the House of the Temple where we are part of the studio audience in the beautiful George Washington Banquet Hall. The proposed schedule for this year s program is approximately as follows: 5:00 Boston Chicken dinner at the Alexandria Scottish Rite and view beginning of the webinar. 6:30 Depart Alexandria Scottish Rite for the House of the Temple 9:15 Depart House of the Temple for Alexandria 10:00 Ice cream and cake. View webinar in auditorium. Spouses and family members are welcome. Participation will be by advance ticket purchase. Cost will be $50 per person and will cover all food, transportation, and amenities. The residual amount remaining after cost (estimated at $35 per person) will be donated to the House of the Temple Preservation Fund in the name of the Alexandria Valley. Please contact Ill. Dave Morris, our Valley Secretary, by May 1 st to reserve and purchase your ticket. Other Alexandria Brethren may wish, as in the past, to carpool directly to the House of the Temple earlier in the afternoon to help on the phone banks and provide other on-site assistance. If you wish to volunteer, contact our Valley Secretary. Of course, you can watch as much or as little of the broadcast right from home by logging onto the Supreme Council website ( or you might sponsor a party or open house with family, friends, and Brethren and watch the broadcast. Any way you participate, the 2015 Celebrate of the Craft event promises to be particularly exciting because this year is the 100 th anniversary of the completion of the House of the Temple, and we expect the webinar to include a number of surprises. We hope you will be able to join us and to support this important Scottish Rite effort by your presence and donations. Additional details are available in various editions of the Scottish Rite Journal and on the website of the Supreme Council. Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 11

12 SCOTTISH RITE BULLETIN of the Valley of Alexandria Orient of Virginia Ill. David H. Smith, Sr., 33, Editor Jason W. Lotz, KCCH, Content Coordinator Scottish Rite Bulletin ALEXANDRIA SCOTTISH RITE BODIES Post Office Box 175 Alexandria, Virginia RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID FREDERICKSBURG, VA PERMIT NO. 501 All Scottish Rite Members whose names appear in this Bulletin are of the Thirty-second Degree, unless otherwise indicated. Secretary of the Four Coordinate Bodies: Illustrious David C. Morris, 33 Assistant Secretary: Illustrious David H. Smith Sr., 33 Treasurer: Oral (Neil) McNeil Marple II, KCCH The mailing address is: P.O. Box 175, Alexandria, VA Office Phone: (703) Fax Number: (703) The Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple is located at 1430 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please notify the Secretary immediately of any change of address, phone number or address. This is very important so that you may receive The Scottish Rite Journal and other publications and correspondence without delay. THE SCOTTISH RITE CREED Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal. ILLUSTRIOUS RONALD A. SEALE, 33 Sovereign Grand Commander ILLUSTRIOUS JAMES D. COLE, 33 Lieutenant Grand Commander and SGIG in the Orient of Virginia ILLUSTRIOUS EDMUND COHEN, 33 Personal Representative of the SGIG in Alexandria ILLUSTRIOUS WALTER SCOTT DOWNS, 33, G C Secretary Emeritus ILLUSTRIOUS ROY M. HEASTER, 33 Treasurer Emeritus STATED MEETINGS Alexandria Lodge of Perfection Second Friday of each month EARL R. JONES, 33 Venerable Master Alexandria Chapter of Rose Croix Second Friday February, March, July, November ROBERT B. WILLIAMS, KCCH Wise Master Alexandria Council of Kadosh Second Friday February, April, July, November THOMAS G. LITTLE, KCCH Commander Alexandria Consistory Second Friday April, August, October, December JOHN T. TILLERY, KCCH Master of Kadosh MARCH 2015 March 1 3:30 p.m. till Friends & Family Event Fairview Park Marriott Silent & Live Auction Dinner Dress coat & tie March 13 6:30 p.m. Pre-meeting Dinner (reservations by March 10th) Valley Meeting 7:30 p.m. Ceremony of Remembrance & Renewal (Chapter of Rose Croix & Lodge of Perfection) March 16 6:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Club Meeting Culpeper (Meets at the IHOP) March 21-8:30 a.m. Spring Workshop Richmond Valley Scottish Rite March 25-6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Club Meeting (TBD) APRIL 2015 April 10 6:00 p.m. Executive Council Meeting Valley Meeting 7:30 p.m. (Consistory, Council & Lodge of Perfection) Calendar of Upcoming Events April 15 7:00 p.m. Spring Reunion Candidate Registration April 18 7:15 a.m. Spring Reunion- 1st Day and Cohort Class Reunion April 20 6:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Club Meeting Culpeper (Meets at the IHOP) April 22-6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Club Meeting Cassia Lodge Woodstock April 25 7:15 a.m. Spring Reunion- 2nd Day And Cohort Class Reunion MAY 2015 May 8 6:00 p.m. Annual Ladies Night (reservations by May 5th) Valley Meeting 7:30 p.m. (Lodge of Perfection) May 18 6:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Club Meeting Culpeper (Meets at the IHOP) May 27 6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Club Meeting (TBD) Update your calendars don t miss these events! Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar-Apr 2015 Page 12

13 Installation of Officers for 2015 Additional Photographs Annual Awards Dinner the rest of the story Additional Photographs David Bryan Sentelle Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar Apr 2015 Page 12a

14 Annual Awards Dinner the rest of the story Additional Photographs Meal prepared and served by: AL MANARAH COURT NO. 50, Ladies' Oriental Shrine of North America Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar Apr 2015 Page 12b

15 Annual Awards Dinner the rest of the story Additional Photographs Certificate of Appreciation: Ill. Loyd E. Davis, 33, Oral M. Neil Marple, KCCH, Philip N. Rhodes, KCCH, John T. G. Aakesson, 32, A. J. Fasano, 32, and William Mowry, 32 (who could not attend). Certificate of Merit: Ill. Michael R. Aulicino, 33, David B. Browning, KCCH, Ill. Douglas L. Jordan, 33, Ill. James A. Loudermilk, 33, Ill. John Shroeder, Jr., 33, Joseph P. Weyant, Jr., KCCH, and Rhey M. Solomon, KCCH (who could not attend). Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar Apr 2015 Page 12c

16 Annual Awards Dinner the rest of the story Additional Photographs Alexandria Scottish Rite Bulletin Mar Apr 2015 Page 12d